Relationship Between Diabetes And Depression

Updated on November 8, 2021

Some health conditions can cause mental illnesses, such as depression. Regardless of age, gender, and race, health issues can cause mild to severe mental illness. It is difficult enough to deal with one medical condition, but two. How are people who find themselves in these situations supposed to cope healthily? Fortunately, it is possible for patients with chronic health conditions like diabetes mellitus while avoiding secondary mental illness. With the proper medication and exercise regimen, you can live a fulfilling life as a diabetic. 

Diabetes and Depression: What's the Link?

Learn how to deal with your chronic diabetes free of mental illness symptoms by reading the content provided in the article below.

Minimize Your Risk Of Developing Diabetes

 It is unfortunate when people are suffering from a chronic medical condition like diabetes. A diabetes diagnosis may seem like a life sentence, but it not. In fact, millions of people of all ages have a diabetes Type 1 or Type 2 diagnosis. The initial diagnosis can be quite shocking, especially for healthy adolescents, children, and young adults. Just when you think you are doing everything right, you begin exhibiting fatigue, dry skin, unusual hunger pains, foggy vision, increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss with no explanation. 

You visit your primary care doctor and before you know it, you are a diabetic. This is a pivotal moment in your life. Learning as much as possible about your new diagnosis will protect you from developing depression later on down the road.

Learn The Connection Between Your Condition And Depression

Scientific evidence connects depression and other mental illnesses with diabetes. The connection revolves around the stressors of being a diabetic. There are continuous blood glucose (sugar) measurement, medication administration, doctor office visit, insulin dose alteration, and lifestyle changes. 

New diabetics will find themselves in their doctor’s offices more than initially expected. In addition to the above stressors, the expenses associated with frequent medical office visits, Canadian insulin, and diagnostic testing procedures. Not knowing if your financial budget will support all these expenses can lead to depression. This is just one connection example of how depression and diabetes connect.

Juggling A Chronic Illness, Job, And family

New diabetics oftentimes do not understand what they are up against. This is especially true for people with little to no diabetes. People who have been diabetics their entire life will have a better understanding of their chronic illness. It is unfortunate when you are slapped with an unknown diagnosis. In this case, you may be naive about your medical condition. If so, you may be under the impression nothing in your life is going to change. 

Unfortunately, new diabetics are forced to change their entire lifestyle. Your primary care doctor will explain your condition, providing recommendations that you much take very seriously. The key to avoiding a secondary depression diagnosis is being prepared to make the necessary lifestyle changes.

Inability To Perform Like Normal

Here is another example of how diabetes and depression come together. Before your diabetes diagnosis, you could jog 5 miles simultaneously or ride a bicycle for 20 miles bi-weekly. Now, you are feeling weak, shaky, and delirious, resulting in less physical activity. Some people find physical activities uplifting and inspiring. Diabetes will hinder your ability to perform like before, leading to depression. 

Just know, it will not be like this forever. With regular physical activity, stress reduction, and low-fat food, you can work on your performance. 

Enroll In A Dietician Self-Management Program

Most hospitals and medical centers provide health care programs for their community members. Self-management programs for Type I and Type II diabetes mellitus will improve your life in more ways than one. Some nonprofit organizations, such as churches and charities, host diabetes programs for local residents. 

Joining several self-management programs can enhance your life while protecting you from becoming depressed. Once depression sets in, you may find it more difficult to manage your diabetes. 

Know The Symptoms Of Depression

It is not unusual for diabetics to unknowingly suffer from depression. While family members, friends, and co-workers know there is something wrong with your mentality, you are in the dark. Knowing the signs of depression will put you a step ahead in the process. You will not walk around in the dark about your mental health illness.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.